Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh / GBBN

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh / GBBN - Exterior PhotographyCarnegie Library of Pittsburgh / GBBN - Interior Photography, ShelvingCarnegie Library of Pittsburgh / GBBN - Interior Photography, Shelving, Table, ChairCarnegie Library of Pittsburgh / GBBN - Interior PhotographyCarnegie Library of Pittsburgh / GBBN - More Images+ 8

Pittsburgh, United States
  • Architects: GBBN
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  9800 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2016
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Ed Massery
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Pinnacle Architectural Lighting, Richlite, Shaw, VitrA
  • Lead Architects: Amanda Markovic, Anne Chen, Julian Sandoval
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Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh / GBBN - Exterior Photography
© Ed Massery

Text description provided by the architects. Since 1895, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has empowered people to learn and grow by providing access to information in free, open, and inclusive environments. But in Pittsburgh’s Knoxville neighborhood, a neglected and foreboding physical structure was impeding community access to library services.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh / GBBN - Interior Photography, Shelving
© Ed Massery

This renovation transforms a 1962 Brutalist concrete masonry building into a warm and inviting destination for a diverse, working class community.The new design now facilitates views to the street and brings daylight to the interior. The dramatic form of the building, including the two large roof monitors, was maintained while enhancing the interior spaces.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh / GBBN - Image 8 of 13

Small daylight-filled additions at the front and the side of the original building maximize the interior plan, providing a dedicated area for teens and an expanded children’s area with an outdoor deck. The adult services area was enlarged and adds zones within the open space plan for computer use, casual reading, gathering, and quiet study, among other activities.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh / GBBN - Interior Photography, Shelving, Table, Chair
© Ed Massery

Two meeting rooms at the lower level are available for library programs and community use. An interactive light display that animates the front façade at night doubles as an educational tool—patrons can control the display from a computer in the teen area.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh / GBBN - Image 11 of 13

Sustainable design features include LED light fixtures and a variable refrigerant flow heating and cooling system designed for efficiency. Exterior landscaping incorporates a rain garden and plantings on the steeply sloped site to control erosion and improve storm water runoff quality.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh / GBBN - Interior Photography, Shelving, Sofa, Table, Windows, Chair
© Ed Massery

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Project location

Address:Pittsburgh, PA, United States

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh / GBBN" 29 Feb 2020. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/934629/carnegie-library-of-pittsburgh-gbbn> ISSN 0719-8884

© Ed Massery

匹兹堡卡耐基图书馆改造项目 / GBBN

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